Webb County sets $65 million working ceiling for fairgrounds, schedules follow-up workshop

Webb County Commissioners voted to establish a working budget ceiling of about $65 million for the Webb County Fairgrounds Phase 2 project and asked staff and the design team to return with a detailed plan at a follow-up special meeting. The decision came after architects and the construction manager at risk presented alternating cost scenarios and commissioners pressed for clarity on parking layout, arena type and equipment costs.

Architects and the construction manager reported roughly a $2.3 million difference in selected scope options and up to about $5.2 million across all paving choices between asphalt and concrete. Gary Leyendecker, construction manager at risk, said the market remains volatile but told the court the project could be made to fit the proposed budget: "Do I think it's, it's a more or less workable budget? Yes," and recommended defining the scope clearly so the team can find tradeoffs. Commissioners and staff discussed how much of the work should be concrete, which parking pads to include now (A, B, C and D were debated), and whether to make the secondary arena a fixed facility or a portable configuration.

Several commissioners emphasized fiscal caution while expressing urgency to deliver the long-awaited fairgrounds. One commissioner framed the court's stance bluntly: "We we're not allocating any more pennies to this project. We're all in." The court also reviewed funding sources: a reported cash/fund balance and a three-year reimbursement resolution that staff said could be used to reallocate and later reimburse some costs.

The court did not finalize a guaranteed maximum price at the meeting. Instead commissioners approved a motion to convene a special meeting/workshop so consultants can present detailed line-item costs (including FF&E and equipment allowances) and show how the project will be delivered within the $65 million ceiling. Staff said the construction and site work could begin within weeks after the court confirms a guaranteed maximum price package and that overall delivery is estimated at roughly 18–24 months once all agreements are executed.

The court adjourned the session after voting to schedule the follow-up meeting; commissioners asked staff to prepare itemized costs and the project team to return with options that meet the cap and preserve key arena and utility functions.